7 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore In Your Kids

7 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore In Your Kids

Last update: 18 January, 2018

Below you’ll find a list of symptoms you shouldn’t ignore in your children when it comes to their health. Some of these signs might be normal, but they might also suggest that it’s time to schedule a checkup.

It’s normal for parents to worry when they see abnormal symptoms in their children. But knowing when it’s time to seek help from a health professional can be difficult. 

Is it a serious illness? Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

  1. Very high temperatures. If a child less than 3 months old has a temperature of 37 degrees or higher; a child between 3 to 6 months a temperature of 38; and a child between six months and 2 years has a temperature over 39 degrees, there is a serious need to pay attention. Temperatures that exceed the aforementioned values can be signs of bacterial or viral infections. You should also play attention to their psychological state.
  2. Skin rashes, especially if they are of a circular shape. Red dots that do not disappear when you press on the skin or red dots that appear in large concentrations can both be signs of an allergic reactions. They can also signal problems with the child’s circulatory system. If these symptoms appear along with breathing difficulties, you should consult your doctor immediately.

  3. Moles and spots. Although most of the time they are normal and there is nothing to worry about, you should pay attention in order to notice if new moles or new spots appear. It is also important to follow up on existing moles to see if they change in size, shape or color. If your child has a mole at the moment of birth, it is important to check it out with a doctor to make sure it isn’t malignant. Check your children’s skin often, especially during bath time.
  4. Sudden stomach pain. A symptom we must pay special attention to is when this pain appears in the lower left side of the abdomen. The pain can also come in the form of cramps. Sometimes it extends to the leg and is accompanied by fever, diarrhea and vomiting. When these symptoms are present it is important to rule out appendicitis.
    symptoms you shouldn't ignore in your kids
  5. Lips taking on a blue tone. Whether they turn blue, darker shades or start to lose their normal color, medical care is urgent. This symptom can also be accompanied by shortness of breath. In these cases, it is important to rule out asthma and allergic reactions. It is also important to check if the child is producing strange sounds from their chest or nose. Swollen tongue, lips or eyes are symptoms that also require urgent care. This type of sudden inflammation can be the manifestation of an intoxication or anaphylaxis due to medication.
  6. Vomiting while sleeping. This is an emergency and you should immediately consult your pediatrician. This situation is especially urgent when the child is under the age of 6 months.
  7. Excessive bleeding. It is normal for small children to get hurt every now and then as a result of playing. However, if the bleeding is profuse and uncontrollable even after applying pressure, you should seek professional advice to avoid serious consequences.
symptoms you shouldn't ignore in your kids

Other symptoms that you should consult with your pediatrician.

  • Excessively dry lips
  • Absence of tears when crying
  • When a child goes long intervals without wetting or soiling their diapers.
  • If you notice that your child is lethargic or when you perceive that they are very weak.
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than ten days. If this occurs, it is considered to be severe diarrhea.
  • If you find blood or substances with a mucous texture in their feces.
  • Vomiting bouts that last more than 24 hours.
  • If your child goes several days without defecating.
  • If your child has no appetite and doesn’t consume the food you give them.
  • A cough that does not stop and when you observe a strange sound coming from their chest.
  • When you notice they are breathing abnormally fast.
  • A fever that lasts for more than three days.
  • When they have a rash on their body that does not disappear after a few hours.

If you observe one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your health care professional.

 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.